Nestled in the picturesque town of Ojai, Seafresh Ojai offers a culinary experience that beautifully captures the essence of coastal flavors paired with local, fresh ingredients. The menu reflects a commitment to quality, sustainability, and creativity, inviting diners to indulge in a variety of seafood dishes crafted with precision and passion.
Whether you’re a longtime seafood lover or simply eager to explore new tastes, Seafresh Ojai’s offerings promise a delightful journey through both classic and innovative dishes.
From the moment you glance at the menu, it’s clear that every dish is thoughtfully designed to highlight the natural flavors of the ocean. This dedication to freshness is evident in the daily catch selections and the seasonal specials that rotate to showcase the best of what the sea and surrounding farms provide.
The ambiance complements the menu perfectly, making it an ideal setting for relaxed lunches, intimate dinners, or lively gatherings.
Seafresh Ojai’s menu not only emphasizes delectable seafood but also caters to diverse dietary preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The balance between traditional favorites and contemporary creations invites guests to savor familiar tastes or venture into new culinary territories.
With a focus on sustainably sourced ingredients, Seafresh Ojai stands out as a beacon of responsible dining in the region.
Starters and Small Plates
The Starters and Small Plates section of the Seafresh Ojai menu sets the tone for an exquisite meal, offering a variety of dishes that blend bold flavors with delicate textures. These options are perfect for sharing or for those who prefer a lighter start to their dining experience.
Each starter is carefully prepared to highlight the freshness of the seafood, often complemented by vibrant herbs, citrus notes, or creamy accompaniments. From chilled oysters to crispy calamari, the selections cater to a range of palates and preferences.
Popular dishes in this category include the Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter, which balances richness with brightness, and the Spicy Tuna Tartare, showcasing a perfect harmony of heat and freshness. The menu also features seasonal specials that reflect the catch of the day.
Popular Starters
- Fresh Oysters: Served with mignonette and lemon wedges, sourced from local oyster farms.
- Calamari Fritti: Lightly breaded and fried, accompanied by a tangy aioli.
- Crab Cakes: Made with lump crab meat and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, served with remoulade sauce.
- Clam Chowder: A creamy, comforting classic enriched with fresh clams and herbs.
“Our starters are designed to awaken the palate, offering a glimpse into the ocean’s bounty with every bite.”
Main Courses
The Main Courses at Seafresh Ojai represent the heart of the menu, showcasing an array of expertly crafted seafood dishes that emphasize freshness and flavor. With options ranging from grilled fish to hearty seafood stews, there’s a main course to satisfy every craving.
Each entrée is prepared using sustainable seafood, often paired with seasonal vegetables and house-made sauces that enhance rather than overpower the natural taste of the fish. The kitchen’s approach blends traditional techniques with modern twists, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and exciting.
Guests will find favorites such as the Grilled Pacific Swordfish with a caper and olive tapenade, or the Seafood Cioppino, a rich tomato-based stew featuring a variety of shellfish and fish. The menu also adapts to seasonal availability, ensuring the freshest ingredients year-round.
Signature Entrées
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Price |
| Grilled Pacific Swordfish | Swordfish, caper, olives, lemon | Savory, tangy, slightly briny | $28 |
| Seafood Cioppino | Clams, mussels, shrimp, fish, tomato broth | Rich, aromatic, hearty | $32 |
| Pan-Seared Salmon | Salmon, dill cream sauce, asparagus | Buttery, fresh, light | $26 |
| Lobster Ravioli | Ravioli, lobster, cream sauce, herbs | Creamy, indulgent, delicate | $34 |
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based dining, Seafresh Ojai offers a thoughtfully curated selection of Vegetarian and Vegan Options that reflect the same commitment to quality and flavor found throughout the menu.
These dishes highlight fresh, local produce and innovative cooking techniques.
The plant-based offerings are designed to be satisfying and flavorful, ensuring that guests who avoid seafood or animal products can enjoy a memorable meal. From vibrant salads to hearty grain bowls, the options are as diverse as they are delicious.
The kitchen often incorporates seasonal vegetables, nuts, and legumes to create dishes that are both nutritious and indulgent. The use of herbs, spices, and creative sauces adds depth and complexity to these dishes.
Noteworthy Plant-Based Dishes
- Grilled Vegetable Platter: Featuring zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and portobello mushrooms drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
- Quinoa and Kale Salad: Tossed with cherry tomatoes, avocado, sunflower seeds, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
- Roasted Cauliflower Steak: Served with a smoky romesco sauce and sautéed greens.
- Vegan Mushroom Risotto: Creamy Arborio rice cooked with vegetable stock and wild mushrooms.
“Our plant-based dishes are crafted to delight both vegans and omnivores alike, proving that meatless can be magnificent.”
Seasonal Specials
Seafresh Ojai’s Seasonal Specials menu is a dynamic showcase of the freshest ingredients available at any given time of year. These dishes are carefully developed to highlight the unique flavors of each season, often featuring locally sourced produce and freshly caught seafood.
The specials change frequently, reflecting the ebb and flow of the market and the seasons. This approach keeps the menu exciting and encourages guests to return regularly to discover new flavors and innovations.
These specials often include limited-time dishes that are perfect for adventurous diners looking to try something new. They also provide the kitchen with an opportunity to experiment and offer creative takes on classic seafood preparations.
Examples of Recent Specials
- Spring Herb-Crusted Halibut: Accompanied by roasted asparagus and a lemon beurre blanc.
- Summer Lobster Roll: Chilled lobster meat with celery and light mayo on a toasted brioche bun.
- Fall Pumpkin and Shrimp Curry: A rich, aromatic curry blending sweet pumpkin with tender shrimp.
- Winter Black Cod Miso: Marinated black cod broiled to perfection, served with sautéed bok choy.
| Season | Highlight Ingredients | Flavor Notes |
| Spring | Halibut, herbs, asparagus | Fresh, bright, herbal |
| Summer | Lobster, celery, brioche | Light, sweet, creamy |
| Fall | Pumpkin, shrimp, curry spices | Warm, spicy, comforting |
| Winter | Black cod, miso, bok choy | Umami-rich, savory, delicate |
Side Dishes and Accompaniments
The Side Dishes and Accompaniments at Seafresh Ojai are carefully curated to complement and enhance the main seafood offerings. These sides balance textures and flavors, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Each side is crafted to pair well with the delicate or bold flavors of the entrées. Fresh seasonal vegetables, grains, and salads feature prominently, offering nutritious and flavorful options to accompany any dish.
Whether you prefer something light like a citrus-fennel slaw or something more indulgent like truffle fries, the sides are designed to satisfy and support the overall dining experience without overshadowing the main ingredients.
Recommended Sides
- Citrus Fennel Slaw: Crisp and tangy, a refreshing contrast to fried or rich dishes.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth with just the right amount of roasted garlic.
- Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A medley of local produce, roasted to perfection.
- Truffle Parmesan Fries: Crispy fries tossed with truffle oil and parmesan cheese.
“Our sides are more than just an afterthought; they’re a vital part of the culinary harmony at Seafresh Ojai.”
Desserts
To conclude a memorable meal, the Dessert menu at Seafresh Ojai offers a selection of sweet treats that blend classic techniques with coastal-inspired flavors. These desserts are crafted to provide a satisfying finish without overwhelming the palate.
Many desserts incorporate fresh fruits, nuts, and subtle spices, echoing the freshness and balance found in the savory menu. From decadent chocolate creations to light sorbets, the dessert options cater to a variety of tastes.
The dessert team also places a strong emphasis on presentation, ensuring each dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Seasonal desserts highlight the best of local produce and inspire a sense of place and time.
Popular Desserts
- Key Lime Tart: A zesty and refreshing tart with a graham cracker crust.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Rich and molten, served with vanilla bean ice cream.
- Seasonal Fruit Sorbet: Light and refreshing, perfect for cleansing the palate.
- Salted Caramel Panna Cotta: Creamy and smooth with a hint of sea salt.
| Dessert | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Key Lime Tart | Key lime, graham cracker, cream | Tart, creamy, sweet |
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Dark chocolate, eggs, sugar | Rich, bittersweet, warm |
| Seasonal Fruit Sorbet | Local fruits, sugar, water | Light, fruity, refreshing |
| Salted Caramel Panna Cotta | Cream, caramel, sea salt | Sweet, salty, smooth |
Beverages and Cocktails
The Beverages and Cocktails at Seafresh Ojai are thoughtfully selected to complement the menu’s fresh seafood offerings. The bar features a curated list of wines, craft beers, and expertly mixed cocktails that enhance the dining experience.
Wine selections focus on crisp whites and light reds that pair beautifully with seafood, while the cocktail menu offers both classic and signature drinks incorporating fresh herbs, citrus, and local spirits.
Non-alcoholic options are also available, crafted with the same attention to flavor and balance.
Guests can expect to find refreshing choices such as a citrus-forward Sauvignon Blanc or a house-made ginger-lime mocktail, designed to refresh and invigorate the palate.
Featured Cocktails
- Ojai Breeze: Vodka, fresh cucumber, lime, and mint, shaken and served over ice.
- Sea Salt Margarita: Tequila, fresh lime juice, agave, with a salted rim.
- Ginger Citrus Cooler: House-made ginger syrup, lemon, soda water, garnished with rosemary.
- Classic Mojito: White rum, fresh mint, lime, and simple syrup.
“Our beverage program is designed to refresh and complement, celebrating local flavors and global inspirations.”
Seafresh Ojai’s menu is a celebration of the sea’s bounty, prepared with care, creativity, and an unwavering dedication to quality. Each section—from starters to desserts—offers thoughtfully crafted dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients and sustainable practices.
The menu’s diversity ensures that every guest finds something delicious, whether craving classic seafood dishes or innovative, plant-based options. The seasonal specials keep the dining experience fresh and exciting, while the well-paired sides and beverages complete the journey.
With its inviting atmosphere and expertly curated offerings, Seafresh Ojai stands as a premier destination for seafood lovers seeking memorable flavors in Ojai. The balance of traditional and modern, indulgent and light, is a testament to the culinary team’s passion and expertise.
Dining here is not just about eating; it’s about savoring the richness of the ocean and the land in every bite and sip, making every meal a celebration of freshness and flavor.
